As the world progresses, everything is going online. Even schools are getting online! This has caused a lot of people to ask the question: does a small school going online affect the number of admissions? There are a few reasons why this is an important question. For one, if a small school goes online, it could mean that the school will no longer accommodate as many students as possible. Also, if a small school goes online, it could mean that the school will no longer offer the same level of education as it did before.
Why Small Schools Are Seeing a Decrease in Enrollment Numbers
Here are the top three reasons small schools are seeing decreasing enrollment.
#1: COVID-19
The pandemic of COVID-19 has forced many people to stay at home, especially students. With so many people choosing to homeschool their children, there is less need for students to attend physical schools. This has resulted in a decrease in the number of students enrolling in small schools. Going completely remote is not as attractive as in-person learning for some parents.
#2: Competition from Charter Schools
Small schools are also seeing a decrease in enrollment numbers because of the competition from charter schools. Charter schools are publicly funded, but private organizations run them. They have been growing in popularity in recent years because they offer various educational options that traditional public schools do not. This has resulted in students and their families enrolling in charter schools instead of small schools.
#3: Technology
The advancement of technology has also impacted the number of students enrolling in small schools. With more and more people preferring to do their learning online, there is less need for students to attend physical schools. This is especially true for students who live in rural areas. There are now more online options than ever before, resulting in students choosing to do their learning online instead of attending a physical school.
So, does a small school going online affect the number of admissions? The answer is yes. And if this is not addressed immediately, it will continue to be a problem in the future.
How to Increase School Admissions While Staying Remote
On the bright side, here are seven tips for increasing your small school admissions even while staying remote!
#1: Promote Curriculum
When you are promoting your school, make sure to promote the curriculum that you offer. This is one of the main reasons parents choose to send their children to a certain school. Also, make sure that you highlight what makes your school unique and different from all of the other schools out there. This can help your school even when completely remote!
#2: Have a Strong Social Media Presence
A strong social media presence is essential for any school. Make sure that you regularly post content on all of your social media platforms. This will help keep your school in the minds of parents and students. It will also show that you are an active and engaged school even when all students are at home!
#3: Offer Scholarships
Offering scholarships is a great way to attract new students to your school. This is especially true if you are in a competitive market. This is also important during these times when families could use some help! Scholarship money can be the deciding factor for some families when choosing a school for their children. Make sure that you promote your scholarship opportunities on all of your social media platforms!
#4: Have a Well-Designed Website
A well-designed website is essential for any school. Ensure that your website is easy to navigate and that all of the information parents and students need is easily accessible. You should also have a section on your website that is specifically dedicated to promoting your school! If students are completely remote and parents do everything online, this is especially important.
#5: Make a Video
A video is a great way to promote your school. It is also a great way to connect with parents and students who may be considering sending their children to your remote school. Make sure that your video is well-made and that it highlights all the wonderful things that your school has to offer.
#6: Have an Active Parent Community
An active parent community is essential for any school. Make sure that you are fostering a positive relationship with your parents. This will help to create a strong community amongst your parents. When parents feel connected to the school, they are more likely to recommend it to others!
#7: Celebrate Your Successes
Make sure to celebrate your successes! When you achieve something, make sure to announce it on all of your social media platforms. This will help to show parents and students that your school is a great place to learn and that you are constantly striving for excellence even when you are remote!
Small schools going online are definitely affecting the number of admissions. Remote school admissions are more important than ever now. Use these seven tips to increase your school admissions while staying remote!
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